Overview

In this groundbreaking book, prize-winning pianist and noted educator William Westney helps readers rediscover their own path to the natural, transcendent fulfillment of making music. Teachers, professionals and students of any instrument, as well as parents and music lovers of all ages, will benefit from his unique and inspiring philosophy, expressed with clarity and immediacy. Award-wiining auther, William Westney, offers healthy alternatives for lifelong learning and suggests significant change in the way ...

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Overview

In this groundbreaking book, prize-winning pianist and noted educator William Westney helps readers rediscover their own path to the natural, transcendent fulfillment of making music. Teachers, professionals and students of any instrument, as well as parents and music lovers of all ages, will benefit from his unique and inspiring philosophy, expressed with clarity and immediacy. Award-wiining auther, William Westney, offers healthy alternatives for lifelong learning and suggests significant change in the way music is taught. For example, playing a wrong note can be constructive, useful, even enlightening. The energetic creator of the acclaimed Un-Master Class workshop also explores the special potential of group work, outlining the basics of his revelatory workshop that has transformed the music experience for participants the world over.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

Concert pianist Westney (Texas Tech Univ.) asks the reader to examine whether our usual ways of teaching, practicing, and performing "are truly effective, encouraging, and worthy of the good intentions we bring to the pursuit of music." He argues they are not, instead encouraging "juicy" mistakes, vitality, and practicing in a healthy, open-systems way. This book is an in-depth treatment of Westney's lectures and Un-Master ClassR performance workshops. Two significant influences on Westney's pedagogical thinking were Dalcroze Eurhythmics methods and Eloise Ristad (A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections on Life and Other Performances). His ideas are reminiscent of The Inner Game of Music with a tinge of the Gestalt notion of the "continuum of awareness" thrown in. Chapter topics include the effects and traditions of lessons, a guide to healthy practicing, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and performance. This is a well-thought-out and well-presented work on an approach to music instruction to which many aspire, but which few attain-though this book will certainly help. Recommended for all academic and music libraries.-Janet Brewer, Anderson Univ. Lib., IN Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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Customer Reviews

Anonymous

Posted May 2, 2004

An outstanding book that all music teachers and students should be REQUIRED to read

Westney's book, The Perfect Wrong Note, is incredible. I believe that this book will be as influential to musicians as The Inner Game of Tennis was 20+ years ago. Westney's book gives concise instruction to improve your time in a practice room. His instruction on self-evaluation is invaluable, and I believe that this should be required reading for all students and teachers of music.

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